UPSC Mains 2023 GS-2 Question Paper

All 20 questions from this paper, with real topper answers where available.

• Q2. Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the Presidents's Rule reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.15 marks
• Q3. Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.10 marks · Western Countries
• Q5. Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy. Comment.10 marks · Judicial independence
• Q5. The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy.10 marks · HRD
• Q6. "The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society." Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.15 marks · Article 21: expanding scope of life and liberty
• Q6. Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.10 marks · India and UK( Parliamentary sovereignty)
• Q6. Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment.15 marks · Skill–Employment
• Q7. Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Fiscal Federalism Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism15 marks · (101st Amendment/GST)
• Q8. "The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local Urban Local Bodies bodies both functionally as well as financially." Comment.10 marks · Empowerment
• Q12. E-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enchancement of these features?10 marks · E-Governance
• Q13. Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.10 marks · Presiding officer(State Legislatures)
• Q14. Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have thefinancial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament? Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the15 marks · Financial Parliamentary Committees
• Q15. “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its Welfare schemes nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.15 marks · for vulnerable sections
• Q16. Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.15 marks · Gender Justice (Constitutional Provisions)
• Q17. Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO' In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems10 marks · SCO
• Q18. ‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.15 marks · NATO
• Q19. ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos” Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security15 marks · IMO
• Q22. Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.10 marks · NALSA (Free Legal Aid)
• Q22. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s civil society groups effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.15 marks · and Women participation
• Q23. Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.10 marks · CCI